Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson mine generational conflict for laughs in 'The Pickup'

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a day ago

After finishing 'The Pickup,' the first thought that will come to mind for many: why wasn't this released in theaters?
It's the kind of comedy, action-tinged or otherwise, that would be sprinkled throughout the summer movie season, the type Eddie Murphy would know plenty about in the '80s or '90s. For reference see 'Beverly Hills Cop II' and 'Coming to America,' huge summer hits. They focused on entertainment and laughs.
Murphy's has taken his talents to streaming in recent years and the efforts have been uneven in the five films he's released in those various platforms. His best: 'Dolemite Is My Name,' which featured Murphy at the top of his game.
'The Pickup' isn't on that level, but it does feature a turn from Murphy that harkens back to earlier in his career, but only informed by experience through the years. What ensues is a comedy with more than a few twists
In the film, Murphy is the sharp-tongued, sage veteran Russell to Pete Davidson's naïve, rookie-like character Travis.
The duo works for an armored car company and soon find their lives turned upside down. Lured by easy sex from a mystery woman named Zoe (Keke Palmer), Travis finds himself the source of the information that allows her and her mini goon squad to set up the ultimate score – robbing an Atlantic City casino with little muss or fuss.
Zoe and her crew think they have Russell and Travis figured out, but the former, a definite company man, has a few tricks up his sleeve that he utilizes in an attempt to foil the robbery.
But is it actually a theft? That's when the film gets even more convoluted and twisty, a fact that bends reality, but it's summer movie season, so let's just run with it, right?
It's a minor stroke of genius in casting Murphy and Davidson. It's not the first time that 'SNL' alums have been cast together, but to have two such high-profile players from the classic improv show from across two vastly different generations, it highlights the differences between the two eras in their playful and colorful banter.
Besides, only Eddie Murphy could get away with referring to Davidson as 'octaroon.'
Don't know the definition, it's complex and racial, but Murphy has always been able to walk that line in his comedies, be it '48 Hours,' 'Trading Places' or 'Beverly Hills Cop,' where he subtly points out racial differences to great humorous effect.
That he's paired with Davidson, who, like Murphy, was launched from the studios of 'Saturday Night Live,' makes this Prime Video film that much more enjoyable, but the generational conflicts prove to be genuinely funny.
And, not too surprisingly, the talented Palmer brings a mixture of intelligence, with and attitude to compete with these two, providing a nice counter balance.
Directed by Tim Story ('Shaft,' 'Barber Shop'), 'The Pickup' possesses his stamp. It's flawed, but those blemishes – mostly a premise that really has to be bought into courtesy of screenwriters Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider - can be overlooked because, ultimately, it's a good time.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
Review
Movie: 'The Pickup'
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria
Directed by: Tim Story
Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes
Rated: R for language throughout, some sexual references and violence.
Grade: B-
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson bring 'SNL' vibe to 'The Pickup'
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